If you want to perform construction-related work or operate a construction-related businesses in Hillsborough County, you must have a license. If you already have a state license, you can register that with us instead of going through our process. To apply/register, log in to the HillsGovHub portal. Instructions
- Application instructions for Local Specialty and State Registered (Certificate of Competency)
- Application Instructions for Journeyman Electrician or Plumber
Fees
| Type of License | Application Fee | Register/Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| State Certified Contractors ONLY | N/A | N/A |
|
State Registered (Local) Contractors Local Specialty and State Registered (Certificate of Competency) |
$280 | $140 – 2 year cycle (renewal & inactive status) |
| Journeyman (Electrician & Plumber) | $150 | $70 - one-time registration fee |
|
Reinstatement of State Registered (Local) Contractors Local Specialty and State Registered (Certificate of Competency) |
$280 | If approved: $140 – 2 year cycle |
|
Reciprocity INTO Hillsborough County for
State Registered (Local) Contractors Local Specialty and State Registered (Certificate of Competency) |
$280 | $140 – 2 year cycle |
HillsGovHub Resources
- Create Contractor License Application
- Contractor License Verification
- Contractor License Renewal
- Update Contractor Information
Hillsborough County Code Compliance Bond
- Compliance Bond instructions and application - fillable*
- Compliance Bond instructions and application - printable
Contractor Licensing - Verification of Experience Forms
- Local Specialty & State Registered Verification of Construction Experience
- Journeyman Verification of Construction Experience
- You must renew your registration every 2 years
- State Registered and Local Specialty Contractors may renew as inactive one renewal cycle only (2 years) without penalty
- If you have a State of Florida CERTIFIED license, you only need to register it with Hillsborough County, and do not need to go through our licensing process
- The license process will require testing on both the trade and basic Florida business law.
If you were previously licensed and let it lapse for longer than 2 years, but less than 5 years, you can apply for reinstatement
- You may have to retest
- If you have let your license lapse for longer than 5 years, you will need to reapply as if you have never had a license and will need to take the appropriate exam and pay the full fees
Regarding Reciprocity
- The exams are recognized for reciprocity in almost all counties in the state of Florida. We reciprocate only with jurisdictions that reciprocate in turn.
- Normally, when applying for reciprocity to another jurisdiction, you will not have to retest if your scores meet the requirements of that jurisdiction. You will still need to meet other additional requirements of any jurisdiction.
- If you are seeking reciprocity INTO Hillsborough County, please apply as a State Registered (Local) Contractor
- If you need a letter of reciprocity FROM Hillsborough County, please email your request to licensing@hcflgov.net and include the following information:
- License number
- First and last name of license holder
- Email address of jurisdiction needing the letter